Hoosier Racing Tire Begins Production at New $8.5 Million Mixing Plant

11/08/2012PLYMOUTH, IN (November 7, 2012) -- A ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted Wednesday to dedicate the new high-tech mixer operation at Hoosier's production facility in Plymouth. The new mixer is expected to satisfy Hoosier's rubber mixing needs for years to come.

Hoosier's Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing John DeSalle welcomed representatives from both the public and private sectors to the dedication ceremony. DeSalle stated that the endeavor was the result of a cooperative effort on the part of government and business and was something that our leaders in Washington could learn a great deal from.

Also in attendance and recognized for their efforts were the many dedicated Hoosier employees who worked tirelessly to bring this project to a successful beginning. Members of the Hoosier Project Design Team included; Joe Sherron, Steve Partridge, Rich Paton, Dave Morrow and Russ Miller. Travis Scott and Riley Ganshorn also led a multitude of maintenance personnel working 24/7 to assure a timely and under-budget start-up.

Hoosier Vice President Marge Skaggs, daughter of company founders Bob and Joyce Newton, was joined by her son, Executive Vice President Scotty Merrill, and John DeSalle in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Ground was broken almost one year ago to the day for the new facility that increases Hoosier's mixing capacity nearly three-fold as the company prepares for future growth opportunities.

DeSalle noted, "We are extremely confident and excited about our future here at Hoosier Tire. We are recognized as the largest race tire manufacturer in the world shipping to more than 70 countries." In the words of the company's co-founder, Bob Newton, who passed away before seeing the completion of the project, "This was a window of opportunity that we plan on taking full advantage of." DeSalle concluded, "We are fortunate to live and work in a great community that supports us. We have a very dedicated and talented work force and I am proud of every one of them."

The new mixer has been fully tested and verified and at the conclusion of the ceremony was immediately powered up and put into operation.

Source: Hoosier Racing Tire

PLYMOUTH — The new rubber mixing plant that opened Wednesday at Hoosier Tire in Plymouth will benefit the company in several ways.

John DeSalle, vice president of Hoosier, said that the plant allows Hoosier to make rubber for their tires in-house rather than outsourcing. “We now have the capacity to make 20 million pounds (of rubber) a year,” said DeSalle, “But we will not use all of the capacity right away. Long-term, we knew it was best for us to do all that manufacturing in-house.”

Seven new employees have started at the company as a result of the new plant, and DeSalle said he expects a total of 20 new hires.

Employees, government officials, and community members gathered at the new plant Wednesday for a ribbon cutting. Those present were asked to sign pieces of rubber that were made in the new plant.

“We broke ground on this a year ago,” said DeSalle to those gathered, adding that about two years of planning went into the project. He said that the 37,000 square foot addition was finished “on time and under budget.” “We are very fortunate to live and work in this community,” said DeSalle, “We have a dedicated and knowledgeable workforce.”

DeSalle specifically thanked Mayor Mark Senter, city council members, and Marshall County Economic Development staff for their support of the project. “This city government really understands partnership…Washington could learn from the city of Plymouth,” said DeSalle. The city granted Hoosier Tire a tax abatement earlier this year, deeming the property to be a “economic revitalization area” because of the opportunities created by the mixing plant expansion. “This positions our company for growth into the future,” said DeSalle.